AVC faculty member receives recognition from the American Dairy Science Association

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the University of Prince Edward Island congratulates Dr. Kathryn (Katy) Proudfoot, associate professor, Department of Health Management, and director, Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre, on being named the 2022 recipient of the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) Foundation’s Scholar Award in Dairy Production.  

The ADSA Foundation Scholarship Award in Dairy Production recognizes a young scholar (10 years or less since receiving a final academic degree) from the production division. The recipient is selected based on their exemplary research and/or educational leadership, as well as their potential to identify critical issues affecting the future of the dairy industry.

“It is a great honor to receive such a prestigious award from my colleagues in dairy science,” says Dr. Proudfoot.

As the winner of this award, Dr. Proudfoot delivered a symposium address at the ADSA Annual Meeting in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 19 – 22. The address entitled, “The welfare of transition dairy cows: current research and future directions,” focused on what makes for a good life for a dairy cow before and after she gives birth to her calf.

“A dairy cow faces several challenges after she gives birth to her calf,” explains Dr. Proudfoot. “Decades of research has focused on mitigating disease after calving; however, more research on other aspects of animal welfare, such as emotional states and her ability to perform natural maternal behaviours, is encouraged.”

Dr. Proudfoot was presented with the ADSA Foundation Scholar Award in Dairy Production during the awards ceremony at the ADSA Annual Meeting.